Solar Cell Manufacturing Manager

Solestial; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision coverage

401K with employer match

Equity

Paid holidays

Job summary

Solestial seeks a Cell Manufacturing Manager to lead the solar cell production team, overseeing daily operations, quality, safety, and schedule adherence. The role evolves with automation, expanding to 10–50 staff during mass production, focusing on yield, cost, and process improvements.

You will collaborate with process engineers to transfer R&D to production, manage inventory and procurement, and mentor technicians while maintaining a clean, safe facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related fields.
• 10+ years proven experience in engineering roles with strong technical background.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Ability to work in a class 10,000 clean room environment.
• Strong analytical skills and clear communication.
• Previous PV solar module or flexible circuit experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Run baseline recipes for pilot production lots

Skills

Team leadership

Manufacturing

Process improvement

Scheduling

Vendor management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor degree in Engineering

10+ years engineering experience

3+ years management experience

Tools

Clean room operations

Job description

The Company:

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.

The Role:

As a Cell Manufacturing Manager you will lead the team responsible for production of solar cells at Solestial. You will be accountable for daily operations, meeting production goals, maintaining product quality and ensuring a safe and professional work environment. Your team will be comprised of 3-15 engineers and technicians and your daily duties will include scheduling & running production lots, leading process improvements related to scaling production, managing inventory movement, procurement of essential materials, technician training and development. You will work in direct collaboration with manufacturing process engineers who are focused on process improvements to the production process, yield improvements, and new tool introduction. This collaboration will support transforming processes and product from the R&D teams to the production teams. As the company continues to grow and starts the transition to a new, automated, high volume manufacturing line, you will transition to leading a team of 10-50 running mass production of solar cells.

• Run baseline recipes for pilot production lots
• Optimize process steps to minimize yield loss
• Partner with process engineers to maintain equipment performance
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
• Transition processes to large-scale production tools
• Coordinate with material vendors to support production schedules
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities
• Train technicians and future tool operators
• Uphold safety standards and proactively prevent incidents
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Develop a strong understanding of end-to-end solar cell and module processes and design features
• Work in collaboration with other process leads to achieve required performance specifications (efficiency, cost, reliability)

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related fields.
• 10+ years proven experience in engineering roles, with a strong technical background.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Ability to work in a class 10,000 clean room environment.
• Ability to conduct PV cell & module processing wearing the necessary PPE.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical skills, basic data analysis and presentation, clear communication.
• Good mentoring and communications skills.
• Team player.
• Positive attitude.
• Previous experience with photovoltaic solar modules or flexible circuits (R&D, manufacturing, reliability) is a strong plus.
• Competitive compensation - we want you to grow with us
• Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
• 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year’s end
• 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
• Your work will literally go to space!

This is an exciting position as part of a positive, supportive, and passionate team! A competitive compensation package, including equity and full benefits (see below), will be offered.